During the visit, Helen met with Yunnan Tin Co Party Committee Secretary Mr. Zhang and his team to reflect on the agenda for the upcoming ITA board meeting in Seville, Spain, in mid-May.  

On 23rd March, Helen attended and addressed at the International Seminar on Green Mining and Minerals Cooperation, hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC). She signed a memorandum of understanding with CCCMC on behalf of ITA the next day.

Helen also took part in an industrial tour to Lenovo’s headquarters in Beijing, where she gained an overview of the company’s consumer profile, technological innovations, as well as its continued investment in AI and research & development.

Helen and her team in China met with Mr. Chen Xuesen, Vice President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), and his team. Discussions focused on low-carbon development in the tin sector and the strategic importance of recycled tin. Both parties agreed to strengthen communication on the green transition of the tin industry and research on secondary tin production. 

ITA also visited China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC), parent company of Brazil’s leading tin producer and ITA Member, Mineracao Taboca. Helen held talks with Mr. Fan Wei, Vice President of CNMC, and his team. Discussions centred around development of Mineracao Taboca, as well as market, sustainability and technology topics.

CNMC acquired Taboca in 2025, marking its first step into the international tin industry.

Helen also met with trader Hongkin Metals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. to get the latest updates on the Chinese market. 

In addition, she held valuable discussions with ITA’s China team, which plays an important role in bridging China and the global tin community on market intelligence, sustainability, and technology. 

Through these engagements, ITA deepens its understanding of developments across China’s industrial and institutional landscape, while strengthening relationships with local stakeholders critical to the global tin value chain.

ITA thanks all the above-mentioned tin stakeholders for their warm welcome and valuable exchanges. ITA remains committed to working with partners across the supply chain to support a responsible, resilient, and sustainable future for the tin industry.  

Yunnan Tin and Mineracao Taboca are Members of the International Tin Association.

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Helen Prins, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tin Association (ITA), attended the “International Seminar on Green Mining and Minerals Cooperation” hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) in Beijing, China on March 24, 2026 and delivered a keynote speech on the topic: Deepen Technological Exchanges and Capacity Building in the Tin Industry. 

Helen highlighted tin’s essential and strategic role in navigating macro shifts – highlighting risks and opportunities, digitalization and the energy transition as trends that will drive tin demand. At the same time, she outlined ITA’s vision and TIN2030 strategy, stressing the need to meet stakeholder expectations on environment, social and governance (ESG) through practical initiatives such as the Tin Code for transparent reporting, the Tin Life-Cycle Study to support a low carbon transition, and the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) Handbook for the Tin Sector.

She also emphasized the importance of cross-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration, including around standards and ESG frameworks, promoting equivalence and reducing duplication for greater efficiency.

ITA and CCCMC sign MOU

A step forward in deepening collaboration for ITA is marked by a MOU signing with CCCMC during its Annual Conference on High-Quality Growth in Metals, Minerals, Chemicals & Building Materials Industry on 25 March 2026. Both parties are committed to working together on advancing the global tin industry toward a sustainable future.

The rest of the seminar focused on the new initiative for the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals, which includes seven topics: create an open and secure policy environment, promote green trade liberalization and facilitation, better fulfill social responsibilities, strive to benefit more people, deepen technological exchanges and capacity building, strengthen investment and financing cooperation, and deepen cooperation through multilateral frameworks.

During the seminar, three pillar organizations of the Initiative, namely the Guidance Committee, Expert Advisory Committee, and Entrepreneur Alliance, were planned to be established.

The CCCMC has become the Chinese contact point and (quasi) secretariat for the “Initiative”, and has taken the lead in updating and upgrading the “Sustainable Mining Code”.

The seminar, as one part of the annual conference of CCCMC, attracted around 200 delegates including foreign diplomats, international organizations, leading enterprises, and expert think tanks from multiple countries  to discuss global cooperation in green mineral development and energy transformation.

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Chinese tin miner Xingye Silver & Tin (SZ: 000426) has issued a US$200 million three-year bond through its Hong Kong subsidiary, becoming the first private Chinese mining company to issue an overseas senior unsecured bond.

The senior unsecured sustainable bond has a three-year maturity and a 7.64% yield is also the largest dollar bond issuance from an Inner Mongolia-based company since 2021 according to Xingye.

Xingye is currently undertaking a major expansion project at its subsidiary Yinman Mining’s Baiyinchagan underground copper-tin-lead-zinc operation in Inner Mongolia, doubling ore processing capacity from 1.65 Mtpa to 2.97 Mtpa, including 2.25 Mtpa for the copper-tin circuit.

This could see Bayinchagan become the world’s third largest tin mine, approximately the same size by tin output as Alphamin’s Bisie in eastern DR Congo.

The expansion project is expected to take four years.

Mined tin reserves at Baiyinchagan grade approximately 0.5% Sn and the company currently produces 9,000 tpa tin-in-concentrate, having successfully significantly increased production through improvements in mining efficiency and metallurgical recovery over the past four years.

Part of the $200 million raised is likely to go towards financing the development of the company’s newly-acquired Achmmach project in Morocco.

Xingye bought Australian company Atlantic Tin in 2025, becoming the lead partner with an 80% stake in the joint venture that owns the Achmmach project – the other two minority partners being Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%) and Nittetsu Mining Co (5%).

Under previous ownership, Atlantic Tin’s 2024 scoping study for the project identified a pre-production capex of $54 million for the greenfield project, plus expansionary capex in years 2 and 3 of US$28 million.

Although no production date has been publicly set, Atlantic Tin’s previous studies indicate an 18-month construction period and the project is currently in the feasibility study phase.

Achmmach has a total mineral resource of 39.1 Mt at 0.55% Sn for 213,300 tonnes contained tin as of the November 2024 estimate, and the project has a planned peak production of 5,000 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate per year.

Our view: This marks a major milestone for Xingye in its expansion plans, which could see its tin output almost double, and indirectly for the development of Achmmach under new leadership which could supplement Xingye’s tin output to become one of the largest tin-in-concentrate producers globally.

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On 6th January, a delegation from Malaysia Smelting Corporation (MSC), led by Executive Chairman Madam Chew Gek Khim, visited Yunnan Tin Company Limited (YTC) for discussions and exchanges on developments in the global tin industry. 

During the visit, MSC met with YTC’s management team, led by Chairman Mr Liu Luke. YTC shared an overview of its evolution as the world’s leading tin producer, including its operational profile, production capacity, and ongoing efforts in digitalisation and use of innovative technologies. YTC welcomed the delegation and expressed willingness open to collaboration to jointly explore opportunities across the global tin value chain. 

MSC signalled an interest in learning from YTC’s experience in resource development, smelting technologies, and market strategies. The Malaysian delegation thanked YTC for sharing its valuable insights and highlighted the potential for further cooperation to promote the stable and positive development of the tin industry. 

Our view: Ongoing collaboration and cooperation in the tin industry to overcome its challenges is a positive step, and ITA is pleased to see its members working together to secure a sustainable future. 

Yunnan Tin Company and Malaysia Smelting Corporation are Members of the International Tin Association. 

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A restart to mining in Wa region appears on the horizon as mining companies pay for mining permits under the new licensing regime.

The much-anticipated restart to mining operations in the autonomous region in northern Myanmar had been delayed after the authorities increased licensing fees. Companies had originally been reluctant to pay the increased fees, which may act as a hindrance to smaller producers re-entering the market.

The ITA understands that companies which have now paid the licensing fee have been issued mining permits and are allowed to restart extraction operations. However, progress will likely be slowed by necessary maintenance given the long mining suspension.

Our view: While the news does not guarantee a prompt resumption to mining in Wa following the almost two-year ban, it is strong progress in that direction. The timelines remain highly uncertain, however market participants expect to see an increase in China’s ore imports from Myanmar within the second half of 2025. Not only will a restart to mining in Wa alleviate the concentrate squeeze felt in China, but it will also reduce the pressure on the international concentrate market to the benefit of other Asian smelters.

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Chief Representative of ITA China Lan Gao presented a tin market update at the London Metal Exchange’s Asia Metals Seminar in Hong Kong on Wednesday, calling the metal “essential to tomorrow’s tech and today’s investment strategy”.

Lan outlined tin’s indispensability across many industries and the market expectations for substantial demand growth, driven by new technologies linked with the energy transition including solar and EVs.

Highlighting tin’s supply concentration in just a few countries, Lan explained recent disruptions in these key jurisdictions and their market impact.

The tin market has seen exceptional volatility since the start of the year with unprecedented fund interest and a series of supply-side shocks in Africa and Myanmar. Despite a significant price correction in April, tin continues to be the best performing base metal, up 14% as of 21st May.

Representatives from ITA China teams attended the BANDS Financial 10th Anniversary Seminar and Dinner, the LSEG Metals Seminar, the 2025 Commodity Industry GF Hong Kong Market Outlook Summit, and the LME Asia Dinner.

ITA is pleased to be part of this key event, which has been productive and a positive space for continued engagement across the metals industry.

Image credit: LME.

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Canadian tin explorer T1N Mining Corp, formerly Mogul Ventures, has announced it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with MCC Shenkan Qinhuangdao, a subsidiary of China Minmetals Corporation, for the development of the Oorsog Ovoo tin-polymetallic project in Mongolia.

T1N Mining Corp will contribute its mining licence covering the Oortsog Ovoo project and available coal resources retained from the Uvdug Khudag coal deposit. MCC Shenkan will cover all project costs through to commercial production for development of a 600 ktpa throughput mine and plant at the project.

Construction is expected to take two years.

T1N Mining will be responsible for securing all necessary permits and will handle government affairs and public relations within Mongolia.

MCC Shenkan is committing to limits of maximum capital and operating expenditures for the first two years of full production at the site, in return receiving 80% of the net revenues after marketing fees, royalties, and taxes.

After MCC Shenkan recovers its capital investment, the two companies will have a 50% stake in the project.

Oortsog Ovoo has a historic resource of 47,000 tonnes contained tin at a grade of 0.65% Sn within 24 orebodies in a near-surface cassiterite-magnetite skarn. The deposit is amenable to open pit mining across five pits to a maximum depth of 150 metres.

In recent years, the project owners have undertaken metallurgical testwork and have demonstrated successful production of a 58% tin concentrate and a 63% magnetite concentrate.

Additionally, there has been testwork demonstrating the potential for high recovery into stannous chloride, a valuable tin chemical product intermediate that can be either sold or further processed into tin metal.

Our view: ITA is happy to see the Oortsog Ovoo tin project advancing towards production, a project with the potential to produce an estimated 2,700 tonnes of tin per year and become Mongolia’s first significant tin producer. The news comes within a week of Atlantic Tin’s announcement of a takeover by a Chinese tin producer, highlighting the increasing influence of Chinese companies in tin future supply.

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Achmmach mine developer Atlantic Tin has recommended its shareholders accept a takeover bid from China’s Xingye Silver & Tin Company (SZ: 000426).

The Chinese company, which operates a major tin mine in Inner Mongolia, China, have offered A$0.24 per share, representing a premium of 20% to the price that Atlantic Tin issued shares at its November 2024 capital raise.

Atlantic Tin directors have unanimously recommended that shareholders accept the offer. The offer is supported by the company’s largest shareholder, investment fund Pala, which controls just under 72% of issued share capital.

Atlantic Tin owns 75% of the Achmmach tin project in Morocco, with Toyota Tsusho Corp owning 20%, and Nittsetsu Mining Co owning the remaining 5%.

The Achmmach mineral resource stands at a total of 39.1 Mt at 0.55% Sn for a total of 213,300 tonnes contained tin, and has planned peak production of 5,000 tonnes of tin-in-concentrate per year.

Atlantic Tin also holds the neighbouring licences of Bou El Jaj and Samine, where there is an existing processing plant that will be used for Achmmach ores, as well as offering significant exploration potential according to the company’s 2024 scoping study.

Xingye’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shucheng Zhang commented that Atlantic Tin’s portfolio is “an excellent fit for Xingye’s expertise in non-ferrous metal mining and smelting”.

Continuing, Mr Shucheng said the offer “represents a significant milestone in Xingye’s efforts to expand its global footprint”.

Atlantic Tin CEO Mr Simon Milroy underscored his support and said “I look forward to seeing the asset taken into production by Xingye as an experienced operator, well positioned to maximise the value of the asset for the benefit of all stakeholders”.

Our view: This move represents increasing consolidation in the tin developer space, as well as firming up China’s influence in tin future supply in Africa. Achmmach is one of the most promising new supply projects, and ITA looks forward to the impending publication of the feasibility study.

Atlantic Tin is a member of ITA’s Explorers & Developers Group.

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Authorities in the autonomous Wa region of Myanmar are preparing to announce the immediate lifting of the mining ban imposed in August 2023.

In a draft document seen by the International Tin Association, the Wa Economic Planning Committee (EPC) will announce that mining and processing can resume “as soon as possible” following discussions last weekend.

Companies wishing to mine and prospect at Man Maw will first have to apply for new licences under the new licensing scheme announced in February. It is unclear how long this process will take.

The draft document also highlights the authorities’ commitment to improving safety at Man Maw, enhancing operational efficiencies and revenue through new technologies to utilise low-grade ore, and reforming the legal framework for mining in Wa.

The EPC reaffirms that all ore, concentrate, and waste stockpiles above ground belong to the government.

As a result of the mining ban, Myanmar’s tin mine output fell by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2024 to 21,300 tonnes, supported by release of ore and concentrate stockpiles. The country’s share of Chinese ore imports also fell from 56% to 33%.

ITA understands that mining supplies such as explosives are already being transported to Man Maw.

Our view: After a nineteen-month mining ban, the market has been eagerly awaiting a restart to operations in Wa, however, we are unlikely to see exports of tin concentrates return to usual levels for at least two months after operations are permitted to restart. Companies will first have to apply for new licences, underground workings at Man Maw may need to be dewatered, and Chinese workers will need to reapply for visas to return to Wa.

Tightness in the concentrate market was expected to significantly worsen following the announcement of a temporary suspension to operations at Alphamin’s Bisie mine in eastern DR Congo, but this development will likely see an easing of supply-side pressure in the coming months.

ITA continues to monitor the situation closely and awaits the official announcement that mining can recommence.

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2024 saw global refined tin production of 371,200 t, representing a decline of 2.7% from 2023. Approximately 63% of this tin originated from just ten leading smelters, whose collective output increased by 14,300 t (7% year-on-year).

The top three producers remain unchanged, with Yunnan Tin maintaining its position as the world’s largest producer of refined tin at 85,000 t, and Minsur keeping second place although bolstered by strong growth of 14.3% to 36,300 t. Yunnan Chengfeng remained in third place with approximately flat production on the previous year.

After switching places in 2023, PT Timah and Malaysia Smelting Corporation (MSC) have switched again in 2024 as PT Timah’s production recovered to 2022 levels and MSC saw the largest year-on-year decline in the cohort.

PT Timah’s recovery came amid a difficult year for the Indonesian tin industry, with national refined tin production falling 30.7%, as the country’s investigation into alleged historical irregularities in the tin trade exacerbated licensing and export delays.

After facing significant challenges in 2023, EM Vinto production increased 26.3% to a record 12,700 t refined tin.

Chinese producer Guangxi Huaxi (formerly Guangxi China Tin) saw the strongest growth within the cohort of 34.1%, while Jiangxi New Nanshan saw modest growth, and both companies retained their positions from 2023.

Total production in mainland China saw remarkable growth of 4.6% despite the ongoing mining suspension in Wa State, Myanmar—traditionally a major concentrate source for Chinese smelters—bringing the national total to 194,000 t in 2024. This increase is attributed to unprecedented growth in secondary refined tin production of 14.9% on the previous year, and significant drawdown of raw material stockpiles.

Global secondary supply grew by 6.8% in 2024 to a record high, following growth of 2.9% the previous year. Secondary supply ex-China declined by 3.4%. Production at tin recycler Aurubis Beerse fell 16.9%, seeing the company switch places with Thaisarco.

Our view: Despite coinciding with weaker-than-expected growth in tin demand, protracted supply disruptions in Myanmar and Indonesia saw the tin market fall into a narrow deficit of 2,200 tonnes in 2024.

While 2024 saw the industry focus on a challenging supply story, 2025 will likely see supply recover as demand continues to move into a recovery cycle, putting the market on course for a small surplus in 2025.

Yunnan Tin, Minsur, PT Timah, Malaysia Smelting Corporation, Thaisarco, and Aurubis Beerse are members of the International Tin Association. Yunnan Chengfeng, Guangxi Huaxi, and Jiangxi New Nanshan are associate companies reporting data to ITA China.

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